Deceuninck
Reports Mixed Q4, with Gains in Emerging Markets
The
Deceuninck Group has announced a fourth quarter turnover for 2006 of €166m,
representing a downturn of 1.5%, although it points to strong turnover
figures in growth regions and the success of of Twinson and Zendow. The
worst performance was in the US, where sales dropped 20%.
The Group's overall full-year turnover for 2006 was up 4.6% to €662.5m,
from €643.7m in 2005.
‘Despite a slight improvement of construction indicators at the end
of 2006, expectations are that the decline will continue to have a negative
impact on turnover in the United States during the first half of 2007,’
the maker of PVC windows and building profiles said.
Deceuninck said the full year turnover for Europe was €444m, up 5%
on the previous year. The best performer was Russia, with a turnover increase
of more than 60%.
Turnover for the year also increased in Germany. The Group attributed
the 15% increase to government initiatives promoting investment in improved
insulation materials, an energy certificate required by residential home
owners (set to commence 2008), and the temporary effect of purchases brought
forward to avoid the 3% VAT increase on building materials that went into
effect 1st January 2007. The windows division also benefited from the
inovative Inoutic concept.
In the mature markets, especially in Belgium, with double digit growth,
and in France, Deceuninck scored some noteworthy sales successes. Success
in these markets is prmarily due to the new Zendow window system and the
Deuctone colour strategy. In the UK, the Group experienced ‘difficult
market conditions' and ‘significant decline in turnover'.
Looking forward, the Group announced plans to increase production capacity
in Russia to 25,000 tonnes in 2007, noting that a large percentage of
the profiles for Russia are imported from Germany and Belgium. ‘The
Russian import taxes on profiles in Russia have placed Deceuninck at a
competitive disadvantage in comparison with local profile producers,’
Deceuninck said. The Group has purchased a site in Protvino, a town about
100km south of Moscow.
At the main site in Gits, Belgium, the production capacity for the Twinson
wood composite products will be doubled.
'The black pages of 2006 have been turned. Deceuninck now holds the aces and the potential to again get on track with its business plan 2009. As a result, turnover growth of 5% to 10% is expected for 2007' according to Clement De Meersman, CEO.
Synseal
Customers Sign Up to the Nationwide ITV Campaign
When
Synseal asked customers to enrol in the £multi-million nationwide
ITV campaign the results were amazing.
The letter was only sent out on Friday afternoon inviting customers to
participate in the Complete Conservatories campaign, and by the time the
office opened on Monday morning there were completed application forms
waiting in the fax machine. By the close of play on Monday, over 90 manufacturers
had enrolled and are ready to install conservatories throughout the UK.
The campaign is due to go on air to support the spring market. It's one
of the busiest times of the year for conservatory companies, and the advert
will boost sales for fabricators and installers of Synseal conservatories.
‘Since we launched the Complete Conservatory to the trade with the
Shield roof in 2002, we intended to take this message directly to homeowners,’
explains Nick Dutton, Synseal's Sales and Marketing Director. ‘We
now have a customer base capable of servicing the level of demand created
by nationwide campaign of this size. We have always supported customers
with a comprehensive marketing suite, and the ITV campaign shows our massive
commitment to the UK market.'
Web: http://www.synseal.co.uk
New
Promotion from Advantage
Advantage
Windows and Conservatories Ltd have just announced a special promotion
on selected windows, doors and roofs. The promotion, which is for a limited
period only, will be publicised in the trade press during January.
Advantage is the UK's largest trade fabricator of Rehau 70mm and K2 conservatory
roofs. The company also fabricates Spectus's Elite 70 system in both the
shaped and bevelled versions.
Danny Hague, Advantage's Group Commercial Director (pictured), explains
the reasons behind the new promotion.
He says:
'Advantage has seen tremendous growth over the past year. We have recently
added the Elite 70 bevelled system to our range of products and have increased
our production levels to cope with the growing demand from our network
of Window Installers Warehouse trade counters.
'This has meant that we are currently able to offer installers an exceptional
deal on windows, doors and roofs but only for a limited period. See our
advertising or contact us free on 0800 781 8841.'
http://www.advantageconservatories.co.uk
Edgetech
Calls for Online Petition Signatures
Edgetech is urging individuals working in the fenestration industry to
sign its online petition calling for reduced VAT of 5% on Energy Saving
Recommended (ESR) windows.
The leading warm edge specialist set up the online petition on the Number
10 Downing Street Website to gather support for the campaign to have VAT
on ESR windows reduced to the same level as other installed ESR products
such as solar panels, insulation and draught stripping.
Edgetech's Managing Director Andy Jones comments:
'The response to our campaign has been great. So many companies have pledged
their support by writing letters to Government officials and meeting their
local MPs. Now I am calling for individuals to take action and sign our
online petition. Everybody from the Managing Director to an installer
can sign the petition and make a difference.
'Signatures are what get action. The more people who sign the petition,
the more the Government will have to take notice of ESR windows and the
benefits they offer homeowners and the environment.'
Edgetech's petition can be found at: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/reduced-VAT.
Listers
BDM's Now Armed with 'quota'
Listers
have been making substantial leaps forward in customer service over the
last twelve months. Their customers already benefit from SMS quote messaging,
online technical information plus quote and order tracking, and they have
the option of downloading and printing all their own CAD drawings and
confirmations from their own computers at home.
Now Listers have taken another great step and giving their customers even
more power to their elbow!
Listers team of Business Development Managers are now offering customers
the ability to have their very own quotation program so that they can
produce accurate prices when and where they want to, even in the customer's
home, helping to close the deal on the night.
Listers
BDM Team with the new quota program. Left to Right: Ron Maskery, Dave
Gray, Dave Allen and Dene Rylands.
The
new Elitis 'quota' program for windows and doors enables the rapid selection
of most styles and finishes, presented as stunning full colour pictorial
quotations and survey reports, on screen and as printouts.
Listers BDM team are highly pleased with the new tool, as are their customers.
'This is a great step forward for our customers' Says BDM, Dave Gray,
'Now quoting on Elitis frames is a simple DIY job for them. They can have
quotes anytime they need them and without the need of referring to a price
list, or waiting for emails or faxes. They think it's great.'
The highly intuitive program provides customers with all they need to
design and select windows and doors complete with feature leads, bevels
and door panels without reference to multiple catalogues. And now that
Listers have a real-time online support service any queries can be sorted
there and then.
'This new Elitis Quota program is a real advantage when we are searching
for new customers' Says BDM Dene Rylands, 'Professional Trade Customers
want a lot more than just great windows at a great price. They want branded
products, customised marketing, website support, on-line order tracking.
We have all that and now with the new Quota program we can offer everything
they need.'
Once again Listers have demonstrated their commitment to pushing their
business forward by helping their customers to have an easier, and more
profitable life. And by supporting their sales team with ever new reasons
to buy from them.
Contact Lister Trade Frames 01782 205605 www.listertf.co.uk
Major
Expansion Demonstrates Leading Status for Cervoglass
A
major new expansion phase for Cervoglass highlights the company's position
within the conservatory roof glass sector of the industry. After a phenomenal
increase in demand for the company's products a new factory worth in excess
of £1.2 million has been opened at the Liverpool based headquarters
near Aintree Racecourse.
An
additional 15,000 sq ft facility has been equipped with the latest state-of-the-art
machinery to accommodate the increase in orders for the speciality conservatory
roof glass which has risen by a further 30% in the last quarter of 2006.
The steady but considerable growth in sales over the last 12 months has
been attributed to a combination of aspects including product diversity,
quality and in-house support services provided by the entire Cervoglass
team.
Predominantly the new factory will augment the company's production capacity
on roof glass products which include Cervo Activ and Cervo Activ Blue
Plus range. The reliability of these Cervoglass products is substantiated
by the guaranteed superior performance associated with Pilkington glass
products.
The dramatic escalation in customer expenditure on products manufactured
by the company has demonstrated that this next generation glass for conservatory
roofs combines technical superiority with aesthetics.
The Activ Blue self-cleaning glass offers superior performance standards,
with unique properties incorporated into the coating that react with UV
light to break down organic particles on the surface of the glass. This
coating, when wet, attracts water and makes it spread as a thin film across
the glass which then simply flows away taking with it any dirt. Furthermore
the glass then dries quickly without leaving any unsightly droplet marks.
The Cervo range of easy-clean and solar control glass provide 75% heat
reflection and 37% light transmission with U-values as low as a true 1.1.
Statistics which prove that these products can be relied upon as demonstrated
by the upward trend in sales at the company.
Graham Price, Managing Director comments, ‘This new factory will
help us to facilitate new and improved production methods, increase our
turnaround capabilities and further diversify our product range. The products
we produce lead the industry in terms of design and reliability as they
provide radical performance levels that meet all current and future industry
legislation requirements. Those are vitally important aspects for every
member of the Cervoglass team.’
With a progressive attitude to new industry legislation all production
methods at the new site have been installed to support and substantiate
the BS EN 1279 Kitemark accreditations that were achieved by the business
in 2004 and 2005 respectively. This element has also been a focal development
aspect for Cervoglass as the company has actively evaluated manufacturing
requirements and taken measures to ensure that only the highest standards
are achieved in terms of product performance with customer support initiatives
being developed alongside new production methods. Subsequently all products
have the BS EN 1279 Kitemark as further validation of the quality available
from the company.
More recently the in-house production facilities and services have been
streamlined further to support the necessary additional delivery needs
required at the new site. This will ensure that every aspect from production
to nationwide delivery can be handled efficiently, swiftly and reliably.
Graham Price continues, ‘Our customer's are our lifeblood and we
are dedicated to provide the highest standards in every department to
ensure that we meet the requirements of every customer on small, medium
and large sized projects. This company has carved a niche in the market
which is verified by our position as one of Pilkingtons top independent
customers for Pilkington Activ products.’
As a man with foresight, Graham Price rigorously evaluates the market
and restructures according to requirements as he recognises new directions
and future industry potential.
He comments, ‘With our new factory the Cervoglass product range will
continue to be developed in line with changing market conditions and standards.
There is huge potential for technical development within the areas of
light transmission, solar reflection and noise reduction.’
Graham Price concludes, ‘Cervoglass is unique within the conservatory
roof glass industry as it is the only company within this sector that
offers the special combination of choice, quality, production control
and the reassurance of complete reliability.’
Cervoglass will be at the Glassex exhibition on stand D 060.
Tel: 0151 522 6604
Web: http://www.cervoglass.co.uk
New
£6m UK Base for Kömmerling
Kömmerling,
Europe's number one for PVCu windows profile, has moved to a new 100,000
square foot facility at Fradley Park in Lichfield. The new base, now home
to Kömmerling's corporate Head Office function and UK distribution
depot, altogether represents a £6m investment.
Dan Whalley, Kömmerling National Sales and Marketing Manager said,
‘The development demonstrates Kömmerling's commitment to the
UK market. Our new Lichfield location will increase our geographical reach
enabling us to better serve our customers as well as gain new accounts
in far reaching UK regions.’
Under
the umbrella of parent company the profine Group, Kömmerling has
an impressive 45,000 square foot UK centralised operating base and an
additional 55,000 square foot outdoor storage facility. The Staffordshire
depot now handles the distribution of all Kömmerling profiles throughout
the UK, including the new Kömmerling System 70 Gold.
Web: http://www.kommerling.co.uk
NSG
Announces Integrated Global Business Organisation
Following
the acquisition of Pilkington in June 2006 and adoption of the NSG Medium
Term Plan in November 2006, the board of NSG has now approved the top
level organisational structure of the newly enlarged NSG Group, designed
to create a global leader in the glass manufacturing industry.
The first phase in the strategy to achieve that goal is the establishment
of an integrated Flat Glass Business. This new global Flat Glass Business
will be set up with effect from 1st April 2007 and will include all the
activities in the NSG Group involving the development, manufacture and
sale of Architectural/Building Products glass and of Transportation/Automotive
glass and glazing systems throughout the world. The Chief Executive Officer
of the Global Flat Glass Business will be Stuart Chambers.
The Flat Glass Business will consist of a global Building Products Business
Line, which will also be led by Stuart Chambers and a global Automotive
Business Line, to be led by Pat Zito.
At the same time, the management of the other businesses in the NSG Group,
the Glass Fibre Business and the Information Technology Business, will
be combined as Speciality Glass Material Division under one Chief Executive
Officer.
Also, Global Headquarters (‘GHQ’) is established by reorganising
the existing corporate staff and is to work as a head office and support
function for the combined group.
Current Structure:
2007
Structure:
Securistyle
MBO Unlocks Window of Opportunity
The
management of Securistyle, the UK window hinge, lock and handle manufacturer,
has taken a majority stake in the business, in a secondary management
buy-out.
Gloucestershire-based
Securistyle has seen its former majority shareholder, August Equity, bought
out by its senior management team and Bank of Scotland Integrated Finance
for an undisclosed sum.
Securistyle supplies all sub-sectors of the casement window market, and
has a particularly strong market presence and brand leading position in
the social housing/specifier market and a rapidly expanding export business
with recent contracts won in the Middle East, Europe, North America and
the Far East.
Speaking of the deal, Managing Director, Paul Cook (pictured) said: ‘Securistyle
is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of window hardware,
and has a strategy of providing high quality, customer specific, window
hardware solutions, in the UK and overseas markets.
‘The long term financial backing that we have secured will provide
the management team with operational and strategic control and enable
the management team to continue to provide the market with high quality,
leading edge products. It will also enable the company to further invest
in developing the overseas markets, where we expect to see the substantial
growth we have already experienced, continue into the future.
‘The deal is great news for our customers and for our workforce.
Customers can be confident that investment in market leading products
and customer service will continue and our employees can be proud that
they are part of a successful business with long term plans for continued
growth and success.’
Tel: +44 (0)1242 221200
Web: http://www.securistyle.co.uk
WHS
Halo Sheds the Lead in Favour of Organics
WHS
Halo has become the first major UK systems supplier to switch to a new
generation of calcium organic stabilisers, as part of the company's wider
commitment to delivering environmentally sustainable window and door solutions.
The
company's Eclipse and Eclipse esthétique PCE PVC-U profile will
now be manufactured using a new calcium organic compound in place of conventional
lead stabilisers. The company has moved to delete the lead materials from
its products as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable development
- and well ahead of the 2015 deadline agreed by the PVC-U window industry.
Calcium Organic stabiliser systems have been used in PVC applications
for over 20 years; and this type of stabilising system delivers products
that have strong structural qualities and excellent weatherability. In
recent years there have been significant performance developments in calcium
organic stabilisers, which now means they are viable technical alternatives
to most other stabilising systems.
The switch to calcium organic forms part of a 'holistic' approach to environmental
sustainability that will also see WHS Halo continuing to promote post-consumer
recycling initiatives.Winston Duguid, Managing Director of Bowater Building
Products, says of the move: ‘We are ahead of the game by switching
to calcium organic at this early stage and this progressive step to manufacture
using 100% calcium organic material is a significant part of our contribution
to the development of sustainable products as part of our wider commitment
to the community’.
Tel: 0121 749 3000
Web: http://www.whs-halo.co.uk
Safety
and Health Awareness Day in Birmingham for Small Woodworking Businesses
The
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is hosting a workshop on 14th February
in a bid to reduce the very high rates of serious accidents in West Midlands
woodworking premises.
Every year many workers are seriously injured in the many joiners, carpenters
and furniture makers around the West Midlands, and, nationally, woodworking
has one of the highest rates of major injury - 540 in 2003/2004 - of any
business.
HSE principal inspector Mike Burd said:
'HSE is inviting small woodworking businesses throughout the West Midlands
to attend a Safety and Health Awareness day at the South Birmingham College
Construction Centre.
'The rate of major injury in woodworking is around three times the manufacturing
average. In fact, in the league table of industries causing the highest
rates of major injuries, the manufacture of wood and wood products is
in third place behind scrap and waste recycling, and mining. Construction
comes in at seven and agriculture at twelve.'
The Safety and Health Awareness day will feature practical interactive
demonstrations of scenarios that regularly feature in the accidents reported
by woodworking businesses. These will include typical machinery and manual
handling accidents. Each scenario will highlight the risks involved and
give practical demonstrations on how these risks can be eliminated or
reduced to acceptable levels.
The day is being run in partnership with an independent woodworking training
provider. The day offers attendees the unique opportunity of being able
to discuss safety issues with the people responsible for enforcing the
law on neutral ground.
Mike continued:
'HSE will view individual business's attendance as a positive commitment
that they will manage health and safety risks within their workplace.
In return for attendance, HSE is undertaking not to visit the company
to carry out an inspection for at least one year following the event.
However, companies will be expected to use the year to put the guidance
they have received at the event into practice. Only those woodworking
companies who do not attend are likely to be visited during the next year.'
This free event will run in two half day sessions: from 9.00am to 12.30pm
and 1.00pm to 4.15pm. It will take place at the South Birmingham College
Construction Centre, Bordesley Green, Birmingham.
Longest
Serving Employee Retires after 50 Years
The
longest-serving employee of systems company L.B. Plastics has retired
after 50 years with the company.
John Freer joined the company aged 15 and has worked within different
areas of the business, most recently as an extruder operative, extruding
plastic mouldings. Extrusion supervisor Brian Bunting has also retired
after 30 years with the company and four more workers have each clocked
up 25 years' service.
To mark the achievements, Group Chairman Leon Litchfield presented Brian
with a hedge trimmer and cutter to help him with his passion for gardening,
and John with a computer photo printer package at a champagne reception
at the Group's Derbyshire headquarters.
Production Director Michael Leese, Cost Control Manager Jonathan Hodgkinson,
Chief Draughtsman Stephen Parkins and Window Sales Office Manager Ashley
Welch each received a gold watch.
John Freer, 65, said, ‘My job has changed dramatically over the years
working with a much wider product range and more sophisticated machinery.
I will miss my work colleagues but, after 50 years, I am looking forward
to a well earned rest and spending more time with my grandchildren.’
L-R:
Jonathan Hodgkinson, Ashley Welch, Brian Bunting, John Freer, Stephen
Parkins and Michael Leese
The
Litchfield Group of Companies, of which L.B. Plastics is a part, has a
remarkable record of long serving employees with over 180 receiving gold
watches to celebrate 25 years' service, since the business started in
1922.
The firm now operates worldwide, providing high-performance products and
components primarily to the building industry. Product ranges include
Sheerframe window and door systems, Sheerline decking and fencing and
Hometrim cladding, soffits and fascias.
Commenting on John's long service Mr Litchfield said, ‘John has seen
the company grow and expand into the internationally successful business
that it is today. His long service is very much appreciated and we acknowledge
his contribution and dedication. We wish both John and Brian a long and
happy retirement.
‘We have a track record in retaining a loyal workforce whose commitment
and flexible approach has played a major role in our success. We continue
to expand our UK and international business, and our committed workforce
has given us the ability to stay ahead of our competitors.’
IGU
Maker Holloseal gives Itself an Early Christmas Present
Two
new DAF trucks were delivered to Ely based insulated glass unit manufacturer
Holloseal just in time for Christmas and the last minute rush that always
sets in at that time of the year.
With business booming in the cut and thrust world of the sealed unit market
Holloseal has increased its fleet of modern vehicles to seven, all provided
by the Marshall Motor Group, which is located in Cambridge.
The latest specification 18 tonne Day Cab Drawbar CF75 Series were chosen
because of the excellent operating experience of the DAF product. The
trucks come with the all new 9.2 litre 6 cylinder PACCAR diesel engines
rated at 310bhp which conform to the new Euro 4 Emission levels.
Holloseal customers can expect their deliveries to be made in perfect
condition by a smiling, fresh driver who will have arrived cool and relaxed
in his air-conditioned, cd/radio-equipped cab, with the load cosseted
by a comprehensive vehicle specification that includes rear axle air suspension.
Holloseal's distinctive corporate logo and colours are displayed on the
30 feet long curtainside covers to ensure you know when the load has arrived.
Holloseal managing director Fraser Nicol says the investment in transport
is just one of many initiatives being made to further sharpen the company's
offer: ‘The sealed unit business is driven by price, quality and
service and we intend to stay ahead of the game on all fronts. Our checks
against other suppliers prove that Holloseal is now one the most efficient
IGU manufacturers in the country. The addition of these new vehicles means
that we will deliver even faster and more reliably than ever.’
Holloseal has been offering toughened glass and insulated glass units
for more than ten years to customers throughout the UK with precise on-time
daily deliveries, rapid forklift offload and 24 hour fast-remakes.
Tel : +44 (0) 1353 666169
Web : http://www.holloseal.com
A
change in the fire regulations has required Rockdoor's range of composite
doors to be retested. Rockdoor achieved the required standard of withstanding
fire for half an hour. But statistics from the test show the strength
of the product.
Although only required to withstand high temperatures for 30 minutes,
the door passed its test with an impressive margin.
At 42 minutes the temperature in the testing chamber was 891°C. Rockdoor
lasted until 44 minutes, 14 minutes longer than the required standard.
Mark Simm, Rockdoor's Sales Director, comments:
‘The temperatures reached in the test chamber are tremendous. Rockdoor
withstood these temperatures for longer than the required standard.
'This
shows its strength and durability. It is one of the most substantial doors
available. Not only is it designed to withstand the elements but it looks
good too.’
Tel: 01254 662999
Low
Cost, High Energy Rating for Rapid Frame
Rapid
Frame Ltd in Walsall has achieved the highest British Fenestration Rating
Council (BFRC) energy rating for its standard FORMULAONE™ PVC-u window
range, with BM TRADA Certification Ltd.
This latest A-rated window has brought together a combination of Aluplast
Ideal 70mm casement window system, Edgetech's Super Spacer warm edge technology
sealed units using Pilkington's 4mm Optiwhite and Pilkington K glass with
16mm Argon gas filling. The result is an A-rated window 'which incurs
minimal extra cost on an overall houseful of windows', according to Rapid
Frame Sales Manager Barry Parker.
Rapid Frame sales are expected to increase, he added. ‘We are proud
to be leading the field by having achieved the first cost-effective A
rating with our FORMULAONE™ range. This will obviously provide real
opportunities for both present and future Rapid Frame customers and is
a welcome extension to our range.'
The BFRC window energy rating scheme is probably the most important industry
initiative for many years. With global warming very much in the news,
homeowners have never been more aware about the need to improve the thermal
efficiency of their homes. 'Choosing an energy-rated window will add value
to their homes as well as helping to protect the environment,' said Barry
Parker.
Rapid Frame is fully behind Edgetech's '5% VAT on Energy Windows Campaign'
and will be writing to its local MP.
For further information on
* Rapid Frame telephone 01922 412333 or email barry.parker@rapidframe.co.uk.
Visit http://www.rapidframe.co.uk
* BFRC Window Energy Rating Programme contact Andy Sumner of BM TRADA
on 01502 679990 or email asumner@bmtrada.com.
Visit also http://www.bmtrada.com.
Competitions
and Promos Galore at Glassex '07
Anyone
planning to visit Glassex this year will certainly not be disappointed
with the opportunities the show offers. With the exhibition harbouring
an exhibitor base that represents every facet of the industry, as well
as highlighting key areas of future growth within its core feature areas,
it is fair to say that Glassex is still the number one choice exhibition
for the UK fenestration industry to launch its new products and services...and
where there are new products and services to be launched, there are invariably
an abundance of promotions and competitions, and this is definitely the
case for 2007's show, with something on offer to whet the appetite of
every visitor.
For those more discerning exhibition goers, pre-planning a visit to the
show will see at least four lucky people walking away with £1000
worth of DeWalt tools just for pre-registering. One person daily will
be picked to win a new top-of-the-range DeWalt Cordless 36V Li-Ion tool
chest containing a Rotary Hammer Drill, Circular Saw, Reciprocating Saw,
floodlight, batteries and a charger all valued at £1000.
All visitors who decided to sign up to the show in advance of the exhibition
opening its doors will also automatically be entered into a daily prize
draw, where up to ten lucky people will be taking home either a DeWalt
Compact Cordless DrillDriver or a Crossline Laser each and every day!
So if you have not yet pre-registered, then what are you waiting for!
It doesn't stop there...DeWalt will also be running a series of mini draws
and giveaways throughout the show so fitting them into your exhibition
schedule could well pay off, just visit stand D100.
Taking
the centre spot of the show, the Conservatory Design Competition (stand
F060) should be at the top of the list of features to visit for 2007 for
those visitors interested in seeing the latest innovations in technology,
design and installation. The stand will act as a showcase for all of those
projects that have been short-listed into the categories of Small Conventional,
Large Conventional, Innovative Design, Portal and Energy Efficient Conservatory,
with the overall winners in each announced at the show. This feature of
the show is an absolute must for those avid supporters keen to see the
competition unfold in its fourth year, or those companies interested in
entering next year's event.
Of course competitions do not just apply to the visitors attending the
show, but they also extend to the exhibitors, seeing them in the running
to win a whole host of awards in the much coveted onsite Glassex awards.
With such a comprehensive plethora of exhibitors all wanting to make their
mark and showcasing different products and services, judging the competition
is not going to be an easy task by any stretch of the imagination. The
categories that fall into the judging criteria are best stands up to 35m2,
35m2-135m2 and 135+m2, as well as best new windows, door, conservatory,
hardware, machinery and software products on show. Judging will take place
on the first day of the exhibition and the winners in these categories
will be awarded a spectacular glass 'G' trophy and associated certificate
to be placed on their stands throughout the course of the show. So with
all to play for, Glassex 2007 is set to start off with a bang. Watch this
space!
Another reason to visit Glassex this year is to see the hundreds of offers
and special promotions that are on show, and one in particular that will
be drawing in the crowds will be the Bohle Bonus, an exclusive promotion
that will only last for the duration of the exhibition. Situated on stand
B110, Bohle will be offering visitors a free upgrade to the next model
in the range on a wide selection of specially selected products, from
hand tools to sophisticated processing machinery. These upgrades, on orders
placed at Glassex, can be worth as much as £2000, with all items
eligible for the Bohle Bonus clearly marked on the stand with special
tickets!
If you are interested in winning yourself a conservatory, then maybe a
visit to stand D095 should be firmly placed in your exhibition itinerary.
To mark its first time to the exhibition, Blackpool based Affordable Windows
will be offering visitors with the chance to win a 3.5m x 3.5m PVCu conservatory
that has an Ultraframe roof with a gable front, valued at £4000.
Aiming to attract a new wealth of interest in its product range, Affordable
Windows believe that this competition is the perfect way to target specifiers
and installers to its stand. The winner will be announced at the end of
the exhibition.
But it doesn't stop there! A visit to see Supertrucks based on stand F090
is in order if you are looking for promotions and competitions rolled
into one. As a specialist in purpose built glass handling and carrying
products, Supertrucks will be offering free anodising on its roof and
side rack products worth up to £275 to help promote its new glass
carrier based on the Citroen Relay that will be showcased on the stand.
But as if that was not enough, Supertrucks will be giving away a Citroen
Berlingo free of charge for six months! To enter into this competition,
potential candidates should log onto the Glassex website for more information:
http://www.glassex.com.
But that is not the only car offer at the show. Any delegate or exhibitor
visiting the VIP stand (H040) to mark the launch of the industry's latest
magazine and picks up a copy, or subscribes to future editions of VIP
will automatically be entered into a free draw. The prize is an overnight
stay in a country castle, and the winner will be collected and returned
in a chauffer driven BMW limo, coupled with a 48 hour test drive of a
BMW of their choice (subject to availability) at a day and time that suits
them.
Of course these are just a few examples of what you is on offer at Glassex
2007, but like all good exhibitions there are literally hundreds of competitions,
promotions, special offers and deals to suit everyone coming through those
doors...but you have to be there to find them! If you are interested in
coming along then there is still time. All you need to do is either complete
and return a Glassex invitation card that proceeds the show, or using
the Glassex website, you can pre-register and receive by post a pre-printed
entry badge that allows you to sail past the queues, and advance information
on the event, including a newsletter that highlights dozens of new products
and services. A route planner will also be included.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Customer
Demand Leads to Strong Growth for GAP
GAP,
the independent PVC-U stockist, has just released its latest sales figures
for 2006 which show an increase of 19.6% year on year.
Charles Greensmith, Joint Managing Director (pictured), comments:
‘These are excellent results for GAP and our customers. We attribute
our success to our customers, as they have been repeating the rewards
of the roofline market themselves due to the success of our roofline brand
Homeline.
'By offering the most comprehensive product range on the market, our customers
know they can reliably get the products they want, when they want them.
Regardless of the time of year GAP continues to deliver to its customers.
'During a working day GAP makes an average of 600 deliveries rising to
above 900 deliveries a day at its peak. Our aim is to provide the best
possible service we can - a service that is second to none.’
Tel: 01254 682888
To further strengthen its strategic stronghold for future operations Avocet Hardware has recently announced the important promotions of Gary Bennett (pictured below left) and Neil Gokhale (below right), with Gary seeing a move from head of the Supply Chain department to a directorship post, and Neil, already at director status being given additional responsibility for the two Chinese manufacturing sites, a move that is set to be extremely beneficial for the company across the board.
Joining the company back in May 2005 as the Head of Supply Chain, Gary
has greatly improved his departmental team whilst continuing to forge
stronger relationships with all partners in the Far East, India and Europe.
Now as Supply Chain Director, Gary is responsible for the UK supply chain,
Taiwan Sourcing Office and UK logistics, working to develop Avocet's current
vendors into true strategic business partners, ensuring a fully integrated
supply chain throughout all sites.
With 20 years' experience in the manufacturing arena, dealing with customers
and suppliers across the globe, Neil Gokhale joined Avocet over two years
ago and has recently been given the additional responsibility for the
operations at Avocet's two Chinese factories, under the new title of Director
of Operations and Development. The move will integrate manufacturing and
UK distribution under one management structure and allow Neil to work
with the production teams directly to improve efficiencies and drive change
in Avocet's manufacturing practices.
Commenting on the latest promotions, Avocet's Chief Executive Jim McCarthy
said: ‘Both Neil and Gary have brought an untold wealth of expertise
to Avocet and over recent years have worked extremely hard to improve
our operations and supply chain agreements and relationships, playing
a big part in taking us into the next phase of our ongoing business plan.
The decision to promote Gary to director status and increase Neil's directorial
responsibilities is a positive step in moving our business on, strengthening
our foundations further.’
Tel: 01484 711700
Web: http://www.avocet-hardware.co.uk
Sherborne
Windows Enjoys the RoofWright Difference
Having
been in the glazing business since 1990, Chris Long of Sherborne Windows
and Conservatories knew that to truly compete in the modern conservatory
market, he'd need to invest in software that could generate sales while
streamlining the ordering and installation process.
After
trying several of the available conservatory design packages, and finding
them lacking, he was introduced to RoofWright by S&J Marketing, an
Ultraframe fabricator.
'We played around with the free trial copy,' Chris explains, 'and could
see the potential straight away. We wanted to know more, so we asked Jon
Twigge, the Sales Director of RPS, to come and see us.'
Jon visited Sherborne's Farnborough offices and demonstrated how RoofWright
could be used to not only create enticing 3D models of conservatories
to help close sales, but also how it could be customised to improve the
overall performance of the entire business.
'We could see the massive potential that ultimately RoofWright would take
the conservatory from the design and costing stage right through to survey
and ordering', Chris recalls. 'Initially we liked the fact that we could
design more bespoke conservatories, but also that we could create reports
that are totally unique to Sherborne using the Report Designer feature.
We have been able to set up quotation reports that hide nothing, giving
clients all the information they need. Our drawing reports are more detailed
and show potential clients exactly how their conservatory will appear.'
But RoofWright is more than just a way to create pretty pictures and generate
reports. It is also a highly accurate pricing tool, calculating the exact
materials required for each conservatory, instantly updating the information
to accommodate even the smallest design change. By connecting electronically
to the databases of the UK's leading fabricators, accurate prices are
then provided on the fly, ensuring that there are no nasty surprises in
the ordering process.
'From an operational point of view, costing conservatories is now more
straightforward and far simpler for potential customers to understand',
says Chris. 'We are working with our main supplier A&B Glass, with
RoofWright, to get super accurate costs from day one, which is critical
in this competitive market. This ultimately enables us to sell our conservatories
at the right price with confidence.'
'With so many features, and so much more under the bonnet than rival software
systems, some may be tempted to go for something that appears easier to
understand,' said Jon Twigge, Sales Director of RPS. 'Those customers
often end up coming back to RoofWright when they discover that the package
they chose can‚t deliver everything they need. As Chris discovered,
getting the most out of RoofWright can be as simple as picking up the
telephone.'
'Roofwright's support service is second to none', Chris explains. 'All
of the support staff we have dealt with have been very helpful, understanding
and easy to get hold of. Continual improvements are being made by RPS,
which shows a real interest in adapting to overcome the challenges we
at the retail end of the market face on a daily basis.'
'It is very encouraging dealing with a company that listens to your comments
and acts upon them to further improve what is, undoubtedly, the best conservatory
design and costing software on the market', concludes Chris. 'I should
know - I have tried a few!'
For more information on RoofWright, visit http://www.roofwright.co.uk
or call 0161 426 1120.
For more information on Sherborne Windows and Conservatories, visit http://www.sherbornewindows.co.uk
or call 0808 145 4000.
Licence
All Replacement Window Fitters - 'Before Somebody Dies'
The
UK's leading supplier of replacement doors and windows to the insurance
industry is calling for every single contractor and operator in the glazing
sector to be licensed - 'before somebody dies because of poor fitment'.
Phil Martindale, founder and Managing Director of Martindales, says at
least two thirds of replacement window and door fitters are 'cowboys'
- and some new businesses setting up do not know that the glazing equivalent
of the MOT, 'Document L', even exists.
'Incorrectly fitted doors or windows can involve glass or heights - or
both. Doors and windows are being fitted incorrectly by these cowboys,
and in some cases dangerously under-specified glass is being fitted in
doors and windows in homes where toddlers are charging around. The consequences
hardly bear thinking about.
'But these cowboys are not always easy to spot - and I would put them
into two categories. Firstly, the fitter whose unlettered van looks like
a skip, with no proper racks; he's a mess, covered in bling and mastic,
no overalls, poorly prepared with no dust sheets - and certainly offers
no sort of customer service.
'Then there's the second category: good people who are skilful with their
hands, who are largely honest but blissfully ignorant of the regulations
relating to the installation of replacement windows or doors.
'The first category has cowboy written all over, the second is potentially
the silent killer. The best they can provide is a window or door that
might do the insulation job it was supposed to - but the worst could be
anything from a huge devaluation of the house because more and more house
sales are dependent upon the right documentation, through to the installation
of an incorrectly specified piece of glass that somebody could too easily
break or even fall through.'
The UK's Building Regulations state that windows must comply with rules
laid out in a joint government and industry self assessment scheme: FENSA
- the Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme. This relates primarily to levels
of insulation, but also to the type and quality of glass and frames.
Some installers are affiliated to the FENSA scheme and therefore provide
installation to the required standard and achieve 'Dcoument L' standard,
but many do not. Those who are not often take advantage, because installations
by non-FENSA members should be checked and assessed by the local authority,
but it is down to the householder to arrange this.
'It's human nature - many do not. This leaves the door wide open for anybody
to wake up one morning and set up in replacement window installation business.
A few hundred quid on a van, get credit from a supplier, and they're off
- and we know there are lads fitting the thick end of £30,000 worth
of unregulated replacement windows a month,' said Phil Martindale.
'We need two things - urgently. The building industry has stated it self
that there is so much replacement window installation going on that it
needed self-assessment. That to me says there's a problem.
'We, the replacement door and window industry, need to educate the consumer
and householder - who may after all buy replacement windows only once
in a lifetime - with regard to the standards demanded by FENSA.
'Secondly, we must move towards a licensing system for replacement door
and window specialists; the licence is granted only after the completion
of a recognised training course, the establishment of a credit rating,
the confirmation that the people behind the business are financially stable
- very similar the gas installation industry's CORGI scheme, members of
which are only admitted after a college course.'
Web: http://www.martindales.ltd.uk
Sixth
Consecutive Record Year of Sales for Volkswagen Vans
Volkswagen
Commercial Vehicles has started 2007 on a high, reporting record annual
sales for a sixth consecutive year. In 2006, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
sold 26,145 units; in fact 2005's total was passed in the middle of November.
The top performer - and setting its own sales record - was the Transporter,
of which 13,817 found homes in the UK. Meanwhile, the LT's replacement,
the Crafter, has sold over 1,100 units since its launch in August; this
figure is well above the planned volume for the model.
The UK's performance reflects the brand's international success. Worldwide,
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles delivered 442,000 vehicles to customers,
representing a ten per cent increase over the previous year and marking
another all-time best.
Trelleborg
Combines Two Business Areas
As
of the beginning 2007, an organisational change is being implemented whereby
the Trelleborg Building Systems business area will be combined with the
Trelleborg Engineered Systems business area, and will become a part of
this business area. Following this combination, Trelleborg Engineered
Systems, headed by Lennart Johansson, will have annual sales about SEK
10 billion, with approximately 7,000 employees.
'Combining these two business areas is part of efforts to continue to
improve our structure and to generate synergism and efficiency gains,'
says Peter Nilsson, President and CEO of Trelleborg. 'In many respects,
Trelleborg Building Systems and Trelleborg Engineered Systems have a similar
business model, and we will gain from a strengthening of the processes
that they have in common. Our ambition is to create an even stronger and
more focused organisation for the benefit of our customers.'
Following 15 years as President of Trelleborg Building Systems, Peter
Suter, aged 63, will retire from the operational role as business area
head. As of January 1st, 2007, Peter Suter will focus on developing the
strategic, newly established corporate function that will be responsible
for raw material supplies within Trelleborg, which he has recently been
coordinating in parallel with his position as business area head. His
duties will also include strategic projects at the corporate level. Peter
Suter will continue to be a member of Trelleborg’s Group Management.
'Peter Suter has developed Trelleborg Building Systems in an excellent
manner so that it now holds leading positions in the Sealing and Waterproofing
segments,' says Peter Nilsson. 'We are delighted that his solid experience
and sound knowledge will now be used to en even greater extent for the
benefit of the entire Group. We have assigned a high priority to purchasing
matters, and it is extremely reassuring that Peter will now further strengthen
this important function, and also take on other Group-wide projects.'
As a result, Trelleborg’s operations will be divided into four business
areas (their share of the Group’s annual sales, as at September 2006
and adjusted for acquisitions is shown within parentheses): Trelleborg
Engineered Systems (37%), Trelleborg Automotive (33%), Trelleborg Sealing
Solutions (19%) and Trelleborg Wheel Systems (11%).
Trelleborg Engineered Systems had sales of approximately SEK 5,900 million
for the period from October 2005 to September 2006. In addition, Reeves
Brothers Inc, with annual sales of about SEK 1,400 million, was acquired
in October 2006. The business area has some 5,300 employees. Trelleborg
Building Systems had sales of approximately SEK 2,500 million for the
period from October 2005 to September 2006, with about 1,600 employees.
Web: http://www.trelleborg.com
Increasing Need for Energy-efficient Solutions
Rapidly
rising energy prices and, more importantly, the intensifying effects of
climate change are compelling the EU and its member states to promote
various energy efficiency measures. This situation is driving the performance
contracting market in Europe, since service providers can help customers
achieve energy efficiency, saving money and reducing emissions in the
process.
Frost & Sullivan (http://www.buildingtechnologies.frost.com)
finds that the European Performance Contracting Market earned revenues
of €706 million in 2005 and estimates this to reach €1.39 billion
in 2012.
'Even if energy prices fall in the long term as a result of a more tranquil
political and economical situation at a global level, concerns about the
effects of climate change will not fade away,' notes Frost & Sullivan
Research Analyst, Reka Szanto. 'Although energy prices currently play
the most significant role in driving the market for performance contracting,
in time the importance of social responsibility towards climate change
will overtake the former to push market development.'
Since the performance contracting market is relatively new in Europe,
end-user awareness remains low. Besides the lack of experience and information,
there is also limited understanding regarding benefits of energy efficiency
and performance contracting.
'There is a lack of experience about the market as well as some scepticism
among potential customers," says Ms. Szanto. 'Moreover, it is a low
interest area for senior management of many organisations, where energy
management is a non-core activity and managers can neglect educating themselves.'
To overcome these challenges, service providers might have to expend substantial
amounts of money and time to market and eventually sell their services.
In time, as more references become available to the public, the need for
education will lessen, although it will never completely disappear.
If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers,
end users, and other industry participants with an overview of the latest
analysis of The European Market for Performance Contracting Services,
send an e-mail to Chiara Carella - Corporate Communications at chiara.carella@frost.com
with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail address,
city, state, and country. We will send you the information through email
upon receipt of the above information.
The European Market for Performance Contracting Services is part of the
Building Management Technologies Subscription, which also includes research
in the following markets: Central European Integrated Facility Management
Market, Northern European Integrated Facility Management Market, Southern
European Integrated Facility Management Market and European Integrated
Facility Management Market. All research services included in subscriptions
provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following
extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press
are available.
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering
with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more
than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting,
growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify
and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele
that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment
community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a
unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies,
econometrics, and demographics.
For more information, visit http://www.frost.com
The
Linde Group Acquires Regional Technical Gases Supplier in Russia
The
technology group The Linde Group has acquired the Russian company SaKiZ
(ZAO Samarsky Oxygen Plant), a regional supplier of technical gases, located
in the south Russian city of Samara. Terms of the transaction were not
disclosed.
The company employs more than 200 people and produces and sells air gases
(nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, helium and argon), both in liquefied
and gaseous form. SaKiZ is the market leader in the quickly growing economy
of the Volga region.
'This acquisition is part of our growth strategy in the increasingly important
eastern European markets', says Dr Aldo Belloni, member of the Executive
Board of Linde AG. 'We will continue to improve our market position in
Russia with specific investments.'
Already today, The Linde Group is the east European market leader in industrial
gases.
The Linde Group is a world leading industrial gases and engineering company
with more than 53,000 employees working in around 70 countries worldwide.
Following the acquisition of The BOC Group, the company has gases and
engineering sales of approximately 12 billion euro. The strategy of The
Linde Group is geared towards earnings-based growth and focuses on the
expansion of its international business with forward-looking products
and services.
Web: http://www.linde.com